Compulsive Hoarding in Reading, Berkshire: Are Sufferers the Only Victims?
It’s easy to feel sorry for hoarders. Our Berkshire house clearance team has seen a sharp increase in the amount of hoarding cases, commonly hoarding objects and items away in their homes to unmanageable levels, leading them living in conditions that many of us would consider to be unimaginable. However, it is important to remember that the compulsive hoarders are not the only victims of their behaviour. One of the most devastating things about this condition is that it also affects their family members and neighbours.
How Families are Affected With hoarding
It is the families and children of hoarder’s who are often the ones to suffer the most. It can be very difficult for family members, and it can be made worse because of their own failure to understand the reasons behind the hoarding. They usually feel embarrassment at the problem, leading them to attempt to keep it hidden from other people, leading to a solitary existence and never being able to invite other people back to the home. On top of this, if family members are living in the same home then they also have to suffer the lack of space and unsanitary conditions. Often with cases of hoarding, the property becomes very dirty and impossible to clean. Rotting food, animal waste and dangerous materials all add up to affect the people living in the property. In addition, family members also face the risks and danger of living in the same building. The sheer weight of the items that are hoarded can affect the structure of the building, and the fire risk can also be increased, it is at this point that a house clearance becomes essential..
How Neighbours are Affected
When people live in close proximity to a compulsive hoarder, they can also be badly affected by the problem. Unpleasant smells are often the first way that they become aware of the problem, and these arise from rotting food, waste and the general unsanitary conditions of the property. Things can be made worse in the case of animal hoarding. The smell of animal waste can be particularly unpleasant, and it can also lead to the creation of lots of noise, especially in cases involving the hoarding of dogs.
Hoarding Affects Many People
Other people are affected by hoarding, not just the hoarder. When it comes to clearing the property of its contents, the clearance company is also affected. The job is made harder and more dangerous due to the quantity of items and the condition of the building. This is why you should always hire a professional clearance firm with lots of experience in clearing properties affected by compulsive hoarders. Executors and relatives can instruct us to clear a property which has been occupied by a hoarder. We will get it done quickly, safely and professionally.
Do you live in Berkshire – Is hoarding a problem in your property? As a hoarder firm we can help.
For confidential advice – Call Jeffrey Avery directly on 0800 567 7769